Recent episodes

Mental health atlas 201119 October 2011 -- One in four people develop some kind of mental illness at some point in their lives. WHO's Mental health atlas 2011 examines the extent of mental health needs and services around the world.

World Report on disability podcast10 June 2011 -- In New York this week, the World Health Organization, together with the World Bank, launched the first ever World report on disability.

World Health Day 2011: combat drug resistance08 April 2011 -- This year's World Health Day focuses on the dangers of resistance to today's infection-fighting wonder drugs. The world is on the brink of losing these miracle cures.

Worldwide alcohol trends 15 March 2011-- New and comprehensive study on the consumption of alcohol reveals worrying trends on alcohol use around the world.

Tracking resources for women's and children’s health2 February 2011 -- A newly formed Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health will track resources pledged to actual results. The Commission will provide evidence of which programmes are most effective in saving the lives of women and children and ensure that the money doesn't get swallowed up through inefficiency or corruption.

World health report 2010: the path to universal coverage3 December 2010 -- The World health report 2010 focuses on how to pay for health care. The report looks at how to raise sufficient funds, how to raise funds fairly and how to get better value for money by becoming more efficient.

Improving cancer control in developing countries19 November 2010 -- Three-quarters of cancer deaths occur in developing countries where the resources needed to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer are severely limited. As a result WHO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have created a Joint Programme on Cancer Control focusing on the needs of developing countries.

Mental health Intervention guide to make care more accessible18 October 2010 -- WHO estimates that over 75% of people living in developing countries do not receive any mental health treatment or care. A new, easy-to-use guide to identify and provide care for mental health disorders will help expand care at a cost that is affordable, even for low- and middle-income countries.

Challenges still remain after the floods in Pakistan24 September 2010 -- The floods in Pakistan have had an enormous consequences for the health of millions of people. They have also impacted the ability to deliver emergency and routine health care across the country.

World Humanitarian Day19 August 2010 -- Thousands of humanitarian workers, either with local organizations or international bodies like WHO, strive during crises, to ensure survivors have access to the most basic human rights, including health, shelter and food.

Organ donors still scarce 6 July 2010 -- Demand for organs outstrips supply in almost every country of the world. In many places the wait for an organ can be measured in years. One way to improve the situation is by donors making sure their families understand their wishes, which allows doctors to proceed with the donation process.

Better management of health workforce migration09 July 2010 -- High-income countries are increasingly dependent on doctors and nurses who have been trained abroad. But the migration of health workers weakens the health systems in the countries of origin. WHO's Code of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel aims to achieve a balance between the interests of health workers, source countries and destination countries.

Polio: the fight till eradication02 July 2010 -- Polio eradication is at a critical juncture. While the world is close to stamping out polio, this will require renewed commitment. Specifically it will entail renewed political, financial and scientific commitment.

Anniversary of smallpox eradication 18 June 2010 -- A statue was erected to mark the 30th anniversary of smallpox eradication. In this podcast past members of the Smallpox Eradication Programme explain challenges they faced in eradicating the disease.

Clean hands can prevent the spread of disease7 May 2010 -- The WHO "Save lives: clean your hands" campaign invites healthcare workers, hospitals and organizations around the world to actively promote improved hand hygiene to reduce infections.

Diagnostic tests can help Count Malaria Out23 April 2010 -- Better diagnostic testing may be a key to count malaria cases and help defeat the disease. Also better tests will more accurately identify who actually has the disease, make sure people get the correct medicines and prevent the misuse of malaria drugs.

Marking International Women's Day12 March 2010 -- This episode marking International Women's Day looks at women through the themes of education, health care and armed conflict.

Anti-tobacco convention's fifth anniversary26 February 2010 -- The fifth anniversary of world’s first global public health treaty, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a time to reflect on its achievements.

About two out of five cancers can be prevented4 February 2010 -- As we mark World Cancer Day, this episode focuses on cancer prevention. Each year, over 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer kills more people than AIDS, malaria, and TB combined but the good news is that approximately two out of five cancers are potentially preventable.

WHO's critical contribution in the humanitarian health response22 January 2010 -- Haiti's earthquake ranks among the most devastating and logistically challenging in recent history. Before the earthquake, Haiti already suffered from high rates of maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition. Listen to what WHO and others are doing for the huge numbers of people needing surgery and other medical treatment.

Haiti earthquake: the emergency health response13 January 2010 -- The severe earthquake that struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic has inflicted large-scale damage, including to hospitals and health facilities. In this episode we talk to WHO experts about the situation and the emergency health response.